No Charges After Teen Died In Crash

The North Carolina Highway patrol is investigating after a 15-year-old was killed and his cousin injured in a crash off Polk Ford Road in Stanly County.

Loved ones began a small memorial Saturday at the accident scene where Jesse Elton Kidd died Friday night.

Troopers said Kidd died after crashing his Ford Mustang near Stanfield.

Investigators said Kidd was driving at speeds estimated at 80 mph when he lost control, ran off the road and hit a tree. Kidd was thrown from the vehicle. Troopers said Kidd's 18-year-old cousin was in the passenger seat and suffered minor injuries.

"He was just one of my good friends. He was a good guy," said Tyler McLaughlin, a friend and classmate at West Stanly High School.

McLaughlin said the 2004 Mustang was Kidd's pride and joy. It was also used as his profile picture on Facebook. McLaughlin said, "He loved that car."

In North Carolina, 15 year olds are eligible for a limited learner permit, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles website. By law for 12 months, the teen driver must be supervised by a parent, guardian or other approved licensed driver who has been licensed at least five years.

Troopers said in this case, Kidd's 18 year-old cousin could not act as a supervising driver because of her limited driving experience. Investigators said Kidd's parents were out of town when the accident happened and didn't know he was out on the road.

Troopers are calling the case an accident and do not plan to file any charges.

A reconstruction team planned to go back to the scene Saturday night to figure out exactly what happened.